Viewing The Fireworks From Our Manhattan Rooftop
This past Fourth of July, Macy's, once again, lit up the skies along the Hudson River in New York City with an amazing fireworks display. It was actually Macy's 37th annual celebration honoring America's 237th birthday. As we have in years past, MSLO invited our employees and their families and friends to the rooftop of our office building at the Starrett Lehigh building overlooking the mighty Hudson River. Ron Palacio, Social Media Content Director and Vincent Tam, IT Desktop Support Analyst, attended the event and photographed this breathtaking pyrotechnic extravaganza.
1 There were so many boats anchored along the Hudson River waiting for the fireworks to begin. What an amazing vantage point!
2 This little boy was waiting patiently.
3 As darkness fell, the patriotic lighting of One World Trade Center, formerly known as Freedom Tower, was illuminated. This 104-story supertall skyscraper was erected on the site of the former World Trade Center.
4 The parks along the Hudson River were packed with spectators. That's Jersey City, New Jersey across the river - my birthplace.
5 A blimp flew overhead.
6 The boats looked so pretty all lit up.
7 Tugboats ferried the four barges into position.
8 Employees came with family and friends to enjoy this cloudless evening.
9 Another view of One World Trade Center
10 Finally, around 9:20, the pyrotechnic show began.
11 New York City's Macy's Fourth of July Fireworks is the number one biggest fireworks display in the nation.
12 More than 40,000 pyrotechnic shells were fired off.
13 An average of 1,800 shells were launched per minute.
14 The barges were positioned between 18th and 43rd Streets on the Hudson River.
15 The fireworks reached heights of more than 1,000 feet in the air.
16 The entire display took up two full miles of sky, providing enjoyment for the millions of spectators.
17 In 2009, the Macy's fireworks display was moved from its traditional East River location to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the exploration of the Hudson River by Henry Hudson. The show has remained here since.
18 This show was designed in conjunction with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza of Rialto, CA.
19 For the first time in the history of the show, a superstar artist collaborated with Macy’s creative and pyrotechnic teams.
20 Eight-time Grammy Award-winning artist Usher, curated the overall design of the show, entitled 'It Begins with A Spark.'
21 The explosive event featured musical styles ranging from pop and soul to country and electronic dance music.
22 Usher’s top choices in the mix were blended with Americana favorites such as 'America the Beautiful,' 'God Bless America,' and The Star-Spangled Banner.'
23 Revelers could enjoy the musical score to which the show was choreographed by tuning into a local radio station.
24 The spectacular show went on for about 25 minutes. Enjoy the rest of the gallery!
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Beautiful!!!
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | July 11th, 2013 at 12:11 am
Martha,
Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | July 11th, 2013 at 1:18 am
Wonderful photos, fortunate you are still near the place of your birth celebrating birth of our nation. Thanx for sharing.
Posted by: ann | July 11th, 2013 at 3:40 am
What a perfect viewing spot from the Starrett Lehigh building.
Great photos Ron, my favorite is #3 of the One World Trade Center.
Posted by: Cindy F | July 11th, 2013 at 8:16 am
Hi Martha, How great that so many of your MSLO friends and their families were able to see this fantastic fireworks on the Hudson River from the top of your great office building at the Starrett Lehigh building! It was fun to see so many of them there taking photos and cheering to see the beautiful fireworks that you shared in these photos that Ron Papacio photographed! How nice to also see your birthplace across the Hudson River! I have enjoyed seeing many of these great firework on my TV the past few years and this one was gorgeous! We have always had the firework displays in Seattle and even right here in Des Moines for many years and I had a former 4th grade student who provided the fireworks here in Des Moines every year and that was wonderful, also! Were you there watching the fireworks with Alexis, Jude, and Truman or did you stay at Lily Pond in East Hampton? Bet you had fun no matter where you were! Please thank Ron for his great photos! Hope you have another great day! Off to see The Daily Wag with Dr. Pia's wonderful photos! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | July 11th, 2013 at 9:01 am
What a beautiful display!!!! How do they do the ones that look like planets! Must have been over the top to see it in person! God bless the USA!
Posted by: Anita | July 11th, 2013 at 9:02 am
Good Morning Martha,
What beautiful fireworks and photos! I especially liked the ones that look like Saturn; very cool.
Posted by: Cindy M | July 11th, 2013 at 9:15 am
Martha: My mother is an avid reader of your website and shared your blog with the rest of our family. Thank you for the beautiful pictures of the show. We were happy to see your guests enjoyed the show, and from such a wonderful vantage point! Our family has worked with Macy*s for 30 years to put on the fireworks display and every year it is so fulfilling to see so many people enjoying the celebration of our Independence Day. Thank you for sharing your pictures and your comments.
Gary & Jim Souza and Family
Pyro Spectaculars by Souza
Posted by: Gary Souza, Pyro Spectaculars by Souza | July 11th, 2013 at 11:53 am
Wonderful photos Vince! The last few shots are especially awesome. Great job!
Posted by: JD G. | July 11th, 2013 at 12:14 pm
My wife used to live in Long Island and would go see the fireworks in Manhattan. I grew up on the west coast and have heard they are amazing in NY. They really know how to put on a show. Hoping one day to make it over there for the 4th! Beautiful pictures for sure
Posted by: Jesse S | July 11th, 2013 at 12:41 pm
A great viewing space! Doing our own FW viewing party from our roof deck here in Vancouver on August 3! Stop by if you are in town.
Posted by: Holiday Baker Man | July 11th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
Loved the pictures - almost as though I was there..... really cool that they were set to music!
Posted by: Susan | July 11th, 2013 at 1:24 pm
Great job Vince! Your photography skills continue to amaze me! Between you and Ron, you've both been able to capture amazing shots.
Posted by: Vince Tam's #1 Fan | July 11th, 2013 at 2:18 pm
Hi Martha,
Good evening from Brazil.
Wonderful display of firework for the celebration of July 4th. Thanks for sharing the amazing pictures.
Posted by: Maria Lúcia | July 12th, 2013 at 6:30 pm